ABSTRACT
Methodism, in spite of such opposition, continued, however, to be the most important of the medical sects. The Methodists adopted an expectant treatment in acute disease, which was just the opposite of the one adopted in the chronic maladies. During the IInd century Methodism was fortunate enough to have a champion of great value in Soranus of Ephesus, as well as Caelius Aurelianus, whose works are merely an abbreviation of the writings of the physician of Ephesus. Briefly put, the symptoms given by Caelius show that catalepsy was a similar condition to lethargy, but that it was a symptom of various morbid processes. Like all the disciples of Themison, Caelius lays special stress on the points in common between diseases. Nevertheless, Caelius himself recommends specific remedies in the case of intestinal parasites, but escapes the appearance of inconsistency by saying that the parasites form part of the body.
